Hotel Reviews

It was about a year ago that I planned a trip to New York City and got a sneak peek at the LIFE Hotel. I was in town attending the New York International Auto Show and stayed at the nearby Stewart Hotel near Penn Station. On a whim, I walked into the hotel and was graciously given a tour of the still under-construction hotel (although some rooms were available).

What a difference a year makes!

This year, I was planning a return trip and the timing fell right at the end of March. It’s an especially busy time in New York City, especially as it’s the week leading up to Easter and many families are spending their Spring Break in town. So I had a challenge – find a hotel that offered reasonable rates for deluxe accommodations. Bonus if it was within walking distance of the Javits Center or included breakfast.

I remembered that little boutique hotel that had enchanted me and asked to see if they might be able to accommodate me and fellow travel/automotive writer, Shannon. LIFE Hotel graciously offered us a media rate and a stay as a LIFE Preferred Guest (more on that in a bit). The only downside is that only king rooms were left.

Shannon and I know each other pretty well and decided that we’d make the most of our girls’ stay even if we had to snuggle up in the same bed (luckily, a king bed is big enough that our feet never even touched).

As you may recall from the sneak peek last year, LIFE Hotel is situated in the old LIFE Magazine building. Each room is unique in its design and offers everything from a king with a pull-out sofa, two queens, private terraces, and even a two or three room suite.

We graciously accepted the king room and took full advantage of the LIFE Preferred Guest program that offered:

A daily $30 food & beverage credit

Room upgrades at check in (subject to availability)

12pm early check in and 4 pm late check out (subject to availability)

We took full advantage of the program and both fell in love with the midtown boutique hotel that absolutely none of my friends had heard of! Let’s talk details.

Location – LIFE Hotel

Located on E 31st Street between 5th and 6th (things I had to learn because cab drivers don’t know where this hotel is!), LIFE Hotel is situated in Midtown Manhattan just a few short blocks from Penn Station. Unbeknownst to me, this little section of midtown is known as Korea Town.

Koreatown is an ethnic Korean enclave in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, centered on West 32nd Street between Madison Avenue and the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Broadway, which is known as Greeley Square. ~ Wikipedia

The area in red is known as Koreatown although the general area is also called NoMad.

Although it was a little far from Javits, it was close to shopping, fantastic restaurants (including the one in the hotel), and fairly easy to grab a cab or Uber (Note: if you’re requesting an Uber, double check the pick up address. You may need to correct it!).

Safety – LIFE Hotel

Although I don’t prefer to walk anywhere in the city at night, especially by myself, it’s sometimes a necessity in Manhattan. Although I took cabs and Ubers to get around, I did a fair share of walking. It’s proximity to the Empire State Building and other tourist attractions assures that the streets are usually pretty busy and I never felt unsafe around the area.

Classic NYC view from the 10th floor

As for the safety inside the hotel, it feels very quiet and almost residential inside. The lobby is small with a restaurant and bar but this out of the way boutique hotel seems to attracts more discerning travelers and less of the late night party crowd.

Character – LIFE Hotel

Where did the name LIFE come from? This building was once the headquarters of the iconic LIFE Magazine where celebrated artists both lived and produced the publication (rumor has it that Norman Rockwell stayed a time or two).

Built in 1893, it became home to LIFE magazine in 1895 where it served not only as the offices for the magazine but also the residences for the staff members. Although the building has changed hands many times, even serving as a different hotel, this iteration is designed to capture the essence of its prime era.

The light fixtures and artwork help combine the past and present.

Each room has a built-in climate control unit and classic view of the NYC streets.

You won’t leave modern conveniences behind. Each room is equipped with a desk, wifi, and flat screen tv.

From the LIFE Hotel website:

LIFE Magazine was published from 1883-2007, and the team lived in 19 West 31st Street from 1895-1931

Franco-American sculptor Philip H. Martiny (1858-1927) created the Life Angel at our entrance

Carrère and Hastings are best known for their landmark projects like the New York Public Library, Frick Mansion, and Ponce de León in St. Augustine, Florida.

Our half moon bird cage elevator is one of only two in the United States

In the 1890’s it was one of the taller (skyscraper) buildings in New York City

We were one of the first buildings to use steel throughout its structure

Many of our guest rooms have the original floors from the artist, writers and editors apartments

Wood Paneling in the Lobby and our Speakeasy was a result of a nationwide search to find what was originally designed in the building

Molding in the rooms are replicated and restored from what was found throughout the building

A new collection of emerging local NY artists are curated throughout the guest rooms, corridors and lobby (over 200 original pieces)

Vanity – LIFE Hotel

If you’re looking for a large luxurious bathroom, you might not find it here. But with two women staying in the room, we had no issues managing our bathroom and prep time with the large mirror and makeup mirror in the bathroom and the aged half mirror in the room. The only downside is that no full length mirror was available in the room but if you’re looking for a luxurious robe to lounge in, they have you covered.

It’s hard to capture but the showers are tiled from floor to (very high) ceiling).

If only I were a little taller (or this mirror was a little longer).

The small closet was perfect for our short stay. No need to unpack!

Toiletries – LIFE Hotel

LATHER is the in-house brand for the LIFE Hotel toiletries. As luck would have it, my back-up toiletries (in case the hotel doesn’t have the quality I’m looking for) were also from LATHER so I wasmore than happy to put them all to good use. That means you can leave your back-ups at home. And yes, there’s a hairdryer.

I always use hotel toiletries if at all possible. It’s one less thing to pack and lets me experiment with new brands.

Although the bathrooms have been updated, you’ll find white marble and brass fixtures in keeping with the vintage style.

Comfort – LIFE Hotel

Dressed in stark white, the bed linens and pillows provided the perfect place to rest my head at the end of a long New York day. And I loved the fact that the room showcased polished concrete floors. While some may not find that comfortable (it’s fine with me – I brought slippers!), it’s much more preferable to me than carpet that can house who knows what.

“Youth has no age” was the perfect mantra for our (semi) late nights enjoying local food and drink.

Polished concrete sometimes feels too industrial but it works with this modern vintage decor.

One thing to note – even on the 10th floor, this part of Midtown Manhattan stays busy. Between sirens and garbage collection, it can be a noisy night’s sleep. Be sure to bring earplugs if noise is something that bothers you.

Extras – LIFE Hotel

Once you have a hotel with the right location and the right level of amenities, it’s the extras that put it over the top. There were several things that stood out in my mind at the LIFE Hotel.

Upon being greeted warmly at the front desk, we were given two water bottles to be used on any of the alternating floors for ice and highly filtered water. What an amazing concept! I was never thirsty and didn’t have to pay $7 for a bottle of water in NYC (yes, I’ve done that!).

What a genius idea! And now, I’m a walking advertisement for the LIFE Hotel!

The service was warm and friendly. We were greeted with a handwritten welcome note from the staff in the room. And during the rest of our stay, we seemed to see the same people at the front desk and at the restaurant. They were not only friendly but cheerful – like they actually enjoyed their jobs! And with a small hotel (only 98 rooms), they remembered us from day to day.

As a member of the media, it’s always nice when the hotel gives you a little something special to greet you.

Speaking of the restaurant, the on-site restaurant, Henry at LIFE Hotel, was amazing. So amazing that you’ll see an entire post about it soon.

But I can’t fail to mention something so simple it’s genius. On the back of every hotel door, you’ll find three magnets. You should the appropriate one for your front door and you’ll never have to awkwardly greet housekeeping in your towel again!

Why has no one else thought of this?

WHAT DOES SHE’S ON THE GO SAY?

Perfect for a couples getaway or a few girlfriends taking on the town. With larger rooms that include pull-out sofas and individual rooms that can be combined into a suite, larger families can be accommodated as well. If you’re looking for NYC from the Mad Men era, the LIFE Hotel might be right up your alley.

When you head to the beach, whether for a weekend getaway, a girlfriend getaway, or an all-out family vacation, what hotel do you usually stay in?

I bet you said NONE. Because most travelers look for a place to settle in, call home for a few days, and meet the special needs of a beach goer.

For example, you spend all day on the beach and don’t necessarily want to go out to eat for every single meal. You might actually want to cook a little, or at least have a place to store and prepare drinks and snacks. You’ll also need a roomy place because nobody goes to the beach alone. We travel in flocks and we bring a lot of stuff with us. Think towels, beach chairs, coolers, multiple swimsuits, sun block, hats, and many changes of clothing.

Let’s also remember that going to the beach is messy. Whether it’s the sun or salt or sand, you’ll need to constantly keep clean. A few bathrooms will do nicely and a laundry room is an added bonus.

And there’s one more thing. If you’ve brought the kids (or even if you haven’t), you’ll want to put them to bed and find a place for some relaxing adult time. That’s where a mega balcony with a killer view comes into play.

The view from my balcony at Caribe Resort by Laura’s Vacation Rentals

Does that sound like everything you require when you head to the beach? It’s everything I was hoping for when I headed to Orange Beach, Alabama for my first visit to these pristine Gulf Shores.

In the end, if you have the same requirements as I do, you’re probably NOT looking for a hotel room. You’re looking for a condo. You’ll find a tremendous amount available, especially in beach communities, which can make it challenging to know which one is the right one for your trip.

Luckily, I got head start on choosing accommodations before I traveled with a few options from Laura’s Vacation Rentals. Laura (yes, there’s a real Laura) hosts a website with condo options available for rental all along the Alabama coastline. For this particular trip, I was traveling with another female traveler (remember my Beach Momcation?) and we were given two condo choices within the Orange Beach towers known as Caribe Resort.

One was on a higher floor and had a better balcony view but the other had a more coastal decor (each is individually furnished by the owner). We chose the first condo on the third floor and could not have been happier with the location and the decor.

Let’s take a peek inside and see how this hotel matches up to the She’s On The Go traveler.

LOCATION – CARIBE RESORT by Laura’s Vacation Rentals

We were able to experience both kayaking and catboat tours from the docks behind the Caribe Resort.

This resort is about a 45 minute drive from Pensacola, which is where many beach travelers would fly in from. Located just over the Alabama border in Orange Beach, it has great access to nearby restaurants and is situated on the back bays at Alabama Point making it within walking distance of many of the watersports in the area.

Caribe sits across the road from the beach, but there is a trolley that takes guests to and from the beach.

SAFETY – CARIBE RESORT by Laura’s Vacation Rentals

For some reason, I woke up early every morning so in addition to sitting on the balcony and watching the sunrise, I would often walk around the property when there weren’t many people around. There was construction going on in the pool area (it was off season) but I never felt unsafe.

The pool area was undergoing renovations but it was too cold to swim anyway!

Female travelers should know that you do park in a parking garage but most condos have assigned parking spaces. And each condo has a doorbell and a peephole so you know who’s coming and going.

CHARACTER –CARIBE RESORT by Laura’s Vacation Rentals

There’s the character of the individual tower, which is about what you’d expect for a beach resort. It’s colorful and beachy and thankfully, clean.

There was a central lobby off of which each condo entrance is situated.

The character of the individual condos depends on the owners and how well they maintain the unit. Our unit had been updated with stainless and granite in the kitchen and furnished with high quality furniture and decor.

This fully functional kitchen had been completely remodeled!

The wet bar provided a perfect area for after beach libations.

I loved the personal touches from the family that owned the condo including their own family photo!

VANITY – CARIBE RESORT by Laura’s Vacation Rentals

Even though I was only there for a few nights, there was plenty of room to spread out, including in the master bathroom. This condo came with three furnished bedrooms and three bathrooms. I drew the long straw and got to take full advantage of the master suite. With a separate shower, garden tub, and dual vanity area, I was never in danger of getting in the way of myself.

If I had been planning a longer stay, I would have enjoyed the space even more. Just beyond the bathroom was a huge walk-in closet!

Believe it or not, I actually used both sinks!

The walk-in closet was so large, you could almost sleep in there! It came furnished with small drawers and an iron and ironing board.

TOILETRIES – CARIBE RESORT by Laura’s Vacation Rentals

This one’s easy. NOT APPLICABLE! While you will be provided things like towels and linens, you are completely on your own for toiletries. I anticipated this and brought everything I needed for the trip. Typically, you will not get housekeeping service during your stay but you will have access to your own laundry room to keep everything clean both during your stay and upon your departure.

Nobody wants to do laundry while on vacation but it’s nice to know it’s there when you need it!

COMFORT – CARIBE RESORT by Laura’s Vacation Rentals

This condo had three bedrooms, including the king-sized master where I slept. The bed was comfortable enough and for the warmer evenings, I actually felt safe enough to leave the sliding glass door ajar (both the living room and master had access to the balcony). My room was also equipped with a ceiling fan.

The other two bedrooms could easily sleep up to 6 additional guests and each had access to their own bathroom. Plenty of room for everyone!

My traveling companion chose this room as her consolation prize since she gave me the master.

Even with twin beds, this room was appealing!

EXTRAS – CARIBE RESORT by Laura’s Vacation Rentals

If a beautifully furnished, large, three bedroom condo isn’t enough for you, don’t forget about the huge balcony with a view of Orange Beach. And if it had been warmer. I would have also paid a visit to the lazy river that was just a floor down in front of our balcony.

A few brave souls ventured into the chilly lazy river!

What does She’s On The Go say? Caribe Resort is a great location for any beach goers looking for a feel of home while having access to everything a beach town can offer. With a service like Laura’s Vacation Rentals, you can know exactly what you’re getting for your beach rental in the Gulf Shores of Alabama.

Laura’s Vacation Rentals provided complimentary accommodations at the Caribe Resort as part of my sponsored Beach Momcation. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was recently hosted by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek to experience their Marathon Weekend package during a runDisney race weekend. I’m sharing this review with She’s On the Go in exchange for accommodations that weekend.

While I’m not a super fast runner, I am a runDisney fanatic.

I love everything about these race weekends: the parks, the courses, the medals, and of course, the costumes!

I’ve attended the race weekends with family a few times, but my favorite trips are going with the girls.

Patty Holliday is a wife, mother of four, and theme park lover who loves early mornings. She hasn’t found a sunrise that disappoints her yet! Find her in the DC Metro area or anywhere frequent flyer miles or her trusty Honda Odyssey takes her.

Christmas in Downtown Gettysburg starts just after Thanksgiving continuing on most weekends through December. And while Gettysburg is accessible from so many metropolitan areas like Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, it’s worth planning at least one night’s stay at the Gettysburg Hotel during the holiday season.

The Gettysburg Hotel was established in 1797 but has all modern day amenities.

The Gettysburg Hotel played host for several travel writers on a recent overnight trip to explore Christmas in Gettysburg. I arrived earlier than needed to get situated in my room and do a little walking around town.

If you’ve never gone into downtown, you should know that everything is centered around Lincoln Square, which is technically a roundabout. It’s here that you’ll see the towering Gettysburg Hotel just off the square. They have a few reserved parking spots upfront for registration and checkin and a parking garage off of the alley in the back. It’s perfect because once you park your car, you’re free to wander the downtown area just steps out the front door of the hotel.

From the hotel, you’ll have access to quaint shops offering everything from civil war memorabilia to German Christmas crafts to Polish pottery (yes, I did plenty of shopping both for myself and for gifts). And you’ll also be steps away from one of my favorite bakeries, The Gettysburg Baking Company.

Even if you’re not there to shop but simply take in the Christmas festivities, the hotel is in a prime location. Right in front of the hotel, you’ll be able to see the Gettysburg Tree Lighting, the Gettysburg Christmas Parade, the Holiday Tuba Carol Fest, and you’ll be within walking distance of annual traditions like the Santa Shanty (free visits with Santa) and A Christmas Carol, shown every year at The Majestic Theater.

Santa at the Santa Shanty in Lincoln Square, Gettysburg

A Christmas Carol is a longstanding tradition at The Majestic Theater, just around the corner from the Gettysburg Hotel

We were lucky enough to stay at the hotel on the night of the Holiday Tuba Carol Fest where tuba players (tuba-ists?) come from all over with one of many varieties of tubas (did you know there were many different kinds of tubas?) all decorated for the festivities. What’s remarkable is these tuba players meet, greet, and play without ever having met each other before the festival!

The tuba family actually includes the subcontrabass tuba, euphonium, contrabass bugle, baritone horn, saxhorn, sousaphone, wagner tuba, and helicon. Now you know!

Each tuba player dressed both themselves and their instrument for the holidays!

As we watched the tuba concert on the steps of the Gettysburg Hotel, we were treated to a sheet of music so that we could carol along and a nice warm cup of hot chocolate.

At the end of the chilly evening, I stepped right back inside to my room on the 6th floor. Although it was established in 1797, the interior of the hotel is warm and modern boasting a lovely restaurant just off of the lobby (unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to try it). It now boasts 119 guest rooms but still offers reminders of its historic significance:

In the summer of 1863, Gettysburg Hotel, Est. 1797 played witness to one of the seminal events in American Civil War history as Union and Confederate troops swarmed over the small town of Gettysburg during a pivotal three-day battle. President Lincoln honed the immortal words of his Gettysburg Address at the Wills House, just steps away from the hotel. Nearly a century later, at the height of the Cold War, the hotel served as President Dwight Eisenhower’s national operations center while he recuperated from a heart attack at his nearby farm. Visitors of the Gettysburg Hotel, Est. 1797 will experience a premier location rich in history and enjoy modern amenities suited for today’s traveler. Source: HistoricHotels.org

Let’s take a peek inside and see how this hotel matches up to the She’s On The Go traveler.

LOCATION – GETTYSBURG HOTEL

As mentioned, The Gettysburg Hotel is in a prime location in downtown Gettysburg. It’s walkable to local shops and restaurants and even parts of the battlefield. For this holiday stay, I had a beautiful view of Lincoln Square along with the large Gettysburg Christmas tree.

Gettysburg Christmas Tree in Lincoln Square

SAFETY – GETTYSBURG HOTEL

Although we remained mostly in a group, I did spend some time outside in the square late on Friday night to snap a few night photos (the lights are amazing!). There were a few loud drivers in the square (they thought it was fun to yell at the photographers) and I did see a woman stumble out of a local tavern that evening. But it was all in the spirit of holiday fun (and luckily, she wasn’t driving!)

Several taverns and restaurants are right off of the square but the Gettysburg Hotel also has its own One Lincoln restaurant

CHARACTER – GETTYSBURG HOTEL

While the hotel has early beginnings, the history of the hotel doesn’t appear terribly obvious. It’s been remodeled to provide very modern accommodations. I’d love to see (or know) a little more of the history of the hotel though. Apparently, the ballroom of the hotel was previously a bank and the vault is still intact!

Gettysburg Hotel, established 1797

VANITY – GETTYSBURG HOTEL

Mirror in the bathroom, full length mirror in the room. iron and ironing board in the closet, hairdryer in the bathroom – all the vanity extras a girl might need.

Inside the bathroom at the Gettysburg Hotel

I never WANT to iron but it’s nice to know it’s there if I need it.

TOILETRIES – GETTYSBURG HOTEL

I loved the Essentiel Elements BATHE line from Gilchrist & Soames provided in the bathroom. In fact, I almost took the extras home with me. So you can leave your toiletries at home. The shampoo, conditioner, soaps, and lotions were lovely.

I loved the Essentiel Elements BATHE toiletries at the Gettysburg Hotel

COMFORT – GETTYSBURG HOTEL

My room was furnished with a desk and two queen beds. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary but the beds, pillows, and linens were plenty comfortable. I would love to see slightly plusher towels in the bathroom (call me spoiled!).

Nothing fancy but I did have a great night’s sleep!

The room was comfortable with plenty of space to spread out

EXTRAS – GETTYSBURG HOTEL

What’s the best thing about The Gettysburg Hotel? I’d definitely say the location. Even if you didn’t venture out to explore the town, the lobby and lounge areas were warm and welcoming. But for the holidays, it’s worth booking a room and strolling around town.

The lounge area was a meeting place for many of the tuba players.

Just in front of the check in desk was this beautifully decorated room

As a butterfly lover, this beautiful display near the stairs caught my eye

What does She’s On The Go say? The Gettysburg Hotel is a great location for family travelers but during the holidays, this would make a great spot for romantic getaway or a girls shopping trip.

The Gettysburg Inn provided me a complimentary one night stay as part of my Holiday Media Tour with Destination Gettysburg. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was invited to attend an Authentic Adams County Media Tour sponsored by Discover Gettysburg and was provided complimentary accommodations at Baladerry Inn.

I find that most people are either bed & breakfast people or they’re not. To some, sleeping accommodations should more or less be a business transaction. That’s not to say they don’t look for luxury and comfort and excellence in customer service. It simply means they want to come and go and not be noticed, for the most part. To others, staying at a bed & breakfast is warm and welcoming, like staying in someone’s home.

For me, I fall somewhere in the middle. I like staying at specialty locations, especially those that are unique. But I don’t want to feel like I’m intruding in someone’s house, which is essentially where you’re staying at a B&B.

On a recent trip to Gettysburg, PA, I joined a group of travel writers at the Baladerry Inn Bed & Breakfast which is just minutes from the Gettysburg National Military Park and within close driving distance of downtown Gettysburg. But it’s tucked away in little section of woods that makes it seem like it’s set right where it belongs – back in the past.

The Baladerry Inn was originally a tenant farm house built in 1812 as part of the Bushman Farm. It includes an addition that was added in 1830 and eventually was used as a field hospital for the Army of the Potomac during the Battle of Gettysburg. When staying at the Baladerry Inn, there are 10 rooms, scattered throughout the original house, the addition, and the nearby carriage house.

Location – Baladerry Inn

The Baladerry Inn is located just south of Gettysburg National Military Park and is a great location if you’re planning to venture out to the historical attractions nearby or want to drive a little further into town or even explore more of Adams County. Within a close driving distance, you’ll actually find access to local wineries, apple orchards, farmer’s markets, and more to help you explore the local culture and flavor (literally).

Safety – Baladerry Inn

I never felt unsafe in any way. Although you’re close to tourist attractions, the house is set in a rural-like setting and the only visitors you’re likely to encounter on the grounds have four legs (including Ballie – the B&B cat!).

However, you should know that the main entrances (in the front and back of the house, including the bottom of the stairs outside my room) remain unlocked through the night. Each room has a deadbolt lock on the door so that wasn’t an issue but I did happen to have one of the only (the only?) rooms in the house with a private bathroom not attached to my room. I had to exit my room and visit the bathroom just across the hall.

The other thing I should mention is that there are rumors that the Baladerry Inn is haunted (it does have a long history). But to be fair, that can be said for literally everywhere in Gettysburg. I chose not to research this fact until after I checked out. It turns out the Primrose room where I stayed (pictured above) is rumored to be the location of an rather amorous ghost, according to HauntedRooms.com:

There is also the presence of an amorous ghost who goes by the name of Geoffrey. He is especially fond of women with blonde hair and can often been felt in the Primrose Room. Due to his amorous nature, he’s known to staff as “Lover Boy”. Women have reported feeling him rubbing their feet and hearing the sound of a male singing in their ear. On occasion there has also been the reports of an invisible entity getting into bed with guests.

All I can say is I’m thankful I didn’t read that until afterwards but I can say that I felt nothing in the room other than comfort of that bed. Maybe it’s because I don’t have blonde hair.

Character – Baladerry Inn

If you’re looking for a bed & breakfast that makes you feel at home, you’ll find it at the Baladerry Inn. It’s been decorated in a casual country style yet still retains it’s historic charm.

If you’re room doesn’t have a TV (mine didn’t), there’s always one available for viewing in the Living Room but I honestly didn’t miss having one in my room. Some rooms do have television sets.

We used the dining room for our group breakfast one morning but typically the breakfast would be served in the Great Room which offers seating indoors and out on adjoining patio.

And if history is your game, or you’re just looking for some games, head up to the loft of the Great Room where you’ll find a large checkerboard and other board games along with books full of history (haunted and otherwise) about the Inn and the surrounding area.

Vanity – Baladerry Inn

Simple and homey are likely the goals for innkeepers Judy and Kenny. Judy escorted me to my room and make sure I knew where extra linens were and any other amenities I might need.

And, of course, I was please to find plenty of mirrors in the room (full length and otherwise) which was important as I had no bathroom in my room.

This part is important to know. All rooms have private bathrooms. But my private bathroom was outside of my room just across the hall. I didn’t mind it so much as there were only two other bedrooms on my floor, both occupied by women on the trip. However, the old wood floors and deadbolts make it seem rather LOUD when getting up to use the facilities in the middle of the night.

Toiletries – Baladerry Inn

Just as if you were staying in someone’s home, you’d probably feel more comfortable bringing your own toiletries, like I did. There were small sample sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, makeup removers, and toothbrush and toothpaste but I’d use most of it in an “in case of emergency” situation.

Comfort – Baladerry Inn

My king bed was exactly what I needed. Large, comfortable, and cozy. The sheets felt like jersey-knit but I slept comfortably and didn’t have any ghostly visitors invading my sleep.

Extras – Baladerry Inn

The extra you should care the most about in a bed & breakfast is, of course, THE BREAKFAST! Judy did not disappoint with her fresh fruit cup, zucchini and bacon dish, and AMAZING french toast with sausage balls.

Finally, if you’re really looking for extras, it’s nice to know that Judy bakes fresh cookies every day and you’ll find them available in the Great Room.

And if you need something to drink outside of breakfast hours, water and coffee is available and soda is available for purchase.

WHAT DOES SHE’S ON THE GO SAY?

The Baladerry Inn Bed & Breakfast is perfect for couples who are looking for an authentic historical experience to complement their stay in Gettysburg. It’s location is also well-suited for exploring the entire Adams County area. And don’t let the haunted stories scare you away!

There’s a little town about 75 miles from Washington, DC that you’ve probably never heard of. I’ve lived in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area most of my life and I hadn’t heard of it.

Situated in the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester, Virginia is formerly Native American country that was settled by Europeans in 1729. Rumor has it that land was offered by the British at a bargain price to encourage German settlers to live in the valley and act as a buffer from the French and the Indians.

LOCATION – THE GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL

If you’re traveling to Winchester, you’re definitely going to want to visit Old Town Winchester, which is in the heart of this little city. The good news is that The George Washington Hotel is situated about two blocks from the historic pedestrian mall. Even better, the mall is full of restaurants, cafes, and shops so it’s easy to find a quaint lunch spot or dine al fresco on the main plaza – all within walking distance.

SAFETY – THE GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL

Inside the hotel, there was never any question of comfort or safety. During the day, however, I found an interesting crowd on the pedestrian mall in downtown Winchester. When I delicately asked, I was told that the area was known as the “living room” of Winchester where you’ll find all walks of life – lawyers meeting for power lunches, families dining together, a late night college crowd and… local residents who attend the nearby methadone clinic.

It was surprising at first but I was told that they are simply part of the local scene. I never felt in danger but if I were a woman traveling solo, I’d probably want some companions while walking around in the evening.

CHARACTER – THE GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL

Speaking of inside the hotel, this is a property with a history. Built in 1924, it was designed to house passengers from a nearby train station. It changed owners and configuration over the years (it was once a Howard Johnson’s!) and eventually closed as a hotel in 1978. In 2008, the renovated property reopened as The George Washington Hotel – A Wyndham Grand Hotel and captures the elegance of its original period as well as the historical significance of the surrounding area.

The rooms reflect the character of the hotel without feeling tired or outdated.

VANITY – THE GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL

As a woman, the bathroom is an important space. It was spacious and nicely appointed with plenty of towels and counterspace. If you were staying with family, the shelf below the sink still gives adequate room for things like hairdryers and toiletry bags.

The shower/tub combination was standard but I liked that the shower curtain was sheer at the top. While taking a shower, I felt like I had visibility into the bathroom “just in case.” And of course, a full length mirror is a must. This one can be found immediately upon entering the room

TOILETRIES – THE GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL

To pack or not to pack – that is the question. If I’m staying in what I perceive to be a nice hotel, I like to take advantage of their toiletries. In this case, The George Washington Hotel had a full line of toiletries from Institut Karité. Included were Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Cream, Facial Soap, and Body Cream, all made with shea butter. I have to admit that I liked the shampoo and conditioner so much that they may have made it into my toiletry bag to take home.

Tip: If you like it, take it with you. You may discover some products you want to order for yourself!

COMFORT – THE GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL

Comfortable pillows? Check. Soft sheets? Check. Great mattress? Check. Comforter? Check. The beds were clean and comfortable and I couldn’t hear noise from the street or the other rooms which all amounted to a few nights with good sleep.

EXTRAS – THE GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL

The room itself is spacious with a flat screen TV (albeit, a small one) and a single service coffee maker. I was also pleasantly surprised to see a small fridge and microwave, which is especially helpful when traveling with family.

What I didn’t photograph was the lovely bar and lounge which had a great wine selection and good food that when above standard bar fare. And even if you don’t get a chance to hang out on the lobby or bar, you’ll still appreciate the character right there at the front desk.

What does She’s On The Go say?

The George Washington Hotel is a lovely historic hotel in the heart of Old Town Winchester. It makes not only a great stay for business travelers and families alike but would be an excellent location for a little romantic getaway just outside of Washington, DC.

I’ve been to Washington, DC more times than I can count and yet I still don’t feel like I know the city.

It seemed to be the location of every field trip I took while growing up in Southern Maryland and I probably took that for granted. As an adult and a mom, I still don’t take as much advantage as I should of this tourist’s dream where so many things to do are FREE!

That’s probably the primary appeal of a family trip to Washington, DC. Not only can you gain access to iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol (the Washington Monument is closed indefinitely for repairs), but you can spend days exploring the many museums of the Smithsonian Institution.

Even though the Washington Monument was closed, plenty of people were gathered around (including us). It affords a great view of the mall and we snagged some great pictures!

To make it all easy and worthwhile, we love to spend the weekend in Washington, DC and found the perfect spot for family tourists.

Last year, Modus Hotels hosted my family in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, DC at the Normandy Hotel, a charming historic hotel situated close to the National Zoo (also free!). It was a great, out-of-the-way location for a quiet stay that kept us still just an Uber ride away from the big tourist attractions.

By contrast, The River Inn is an area called Foggy Bottom, close to the Potomac River and the Kennedy Center. And the hotel itself, like most Modus Hotels, has a character all its own.

The trees were beautiful and green during the day and light up with purple lights at night!

Situated right smack in the middle of a residential area, the hotel was quiet, unassuming, yet offered everything we needed for a family stay.

Step out of the hotel and look left for a beautifully great view. You’re still a only short walk to the main drag.

When you step out and look right, you’ll also find a quiet, tree-lined street.

Upon arrival we were greeted by a small but cozy lobby area. We grabbed some ice water, which was always available in the lobby, and a few apples from the front desk and headed to our room. We quickly realized that the apples wouldn’t be a substitute for dinner so we were surprisingly able to order room service from the excellent restaurant, DISH + Drinks, off of the lobby. (My recommendation: go for the crab cake!)

Newspaper and apples are staples at the front desk and if neither are available, just ask!

After we ate, we did a quick tour of the room and were thrilled to find a full kitchen (great for long stays, convenient for short stays) along with the ability to actually order from a local grocery store. We stored a few goodies in the fridge and spread out. There was plenty of room for it too.

A full kitchen is available if you have to cook. We preferred to just have the convenience of the refrigerator.

Can you tell from this list that The River Inn is a pet-friendly property?

The bathroom, while on the small side, had a large vanity area outside of the bathroom so that I could get myself together while everyone else was hogging the space.

And for our sleeping quarters, it was just my little old family of three but we still needed big sleeping quarters. My husband and I slept on the queen sized bed in the room and my son enjoyed the pull-out sofa all to himself.

If you don’t need the pull-out bed, it feels like you’re in a spacious apartment.

The vanity and bathroom were just on the other side of the glass partition.

We still felt like we had plenty of room even with the pull-out bed open.

The best part about the room layout is that even with all the beds in place, we were never squeezing our way around anything. It felt like a fully functional family studio apartment. (In fact, my family always jokes that we don’t need our large house – we can all live in one room! I beg to differ.)

We didn’t feel so cramped that we didn’t enjoy just relaxing in the room together.

I was pleasantly surprised at how this large hotel room accommodated my family and would definitely look to stay there again. But if you’re looking to stay there, as a single woman, as a mom, or for a girls weekend away, here are some of the details you might want to consider.

LOCATION – THE RIVER INN

As mentioned, The River Inn is located on a residential street in Foggy Bottom. We found the mile or so to the National Mall totally walkable. From there we had access to the monuments and memorials, museums, and could walk a little further to other specialty locations (like the International Spy Museum). You can read more about what my family did on our trip here.

I loved the courtyard just outside the hotel although we never had a chance to enjoy it!

I also had to fly out the morning of our department and was pleased that the hotel was only 20 minutes or so from Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA).

SAFETY – THE RIVER INN

We were traveling as a family and kept more to family hours and family activities. We did walk to dinner at night but were back to the hotel by 11pm every night. During our walk, we felt completely safe but, of course, I always recommend safety in numbers when walking in a city at night. If walking concerns you, I find Uber is the easiest way to get to and from where you want to go.

We found many residential areas, government buildings, and even churches on our walk through the area.

CHARACTER – THE RIVER INN

Unlike the Normandy Hotel, there was no sense of history here but that was totally fine. The lobby bordered on edgy and modern but not obnoxiously so and the rooms were perfectly appointed for comfort, convenience, and familiarity.

We actually loved the funky feeling of the small reception and lobby area.

VANITY – THE RIVER INN

I absolutely loved the extra vanity in the “hallway” just outside the bathroom. Not only did it have a large ledge for all of my toiletries and cosmetics, but it also had plugs nearby for any appliances you might need to use.

This is the photo BEFORE I spread everything out on the vanity ledge.

Another mirror was opposite the vanity so I could see the front and back of my hair to infinity!

TOILETRIES – THE RIVER INN

I’d say the Pure by Gloss toiletries were perfectly fine (in fact, I had a pretty good hair day before we melted in the early April heat) but if your hair is particular, you might want to pack your own. And if you have a large group staying in the room, you’ll want to ask for extras as the containers are quite small.

Quality toiletries but nothing you’ll want to sneak in your bag to take home.

COMFORT – THE RIVER INN

I slept on the queen bed and actually slept like a baby. I laid down on the pull out bed and I doubt that I would have slept as well. But my son is 10 and he had no complaints! I was thrilled to see the pull-out bed was fully made and all we had to do was literally pull it out and he was ready for bed.

Comfort and quiet were the key things that helped us all get a good night’s sleep.

EXTRAS – THE RIVER INN

What’s the best thing about The River Inn? I’d definitely say the location. We had a great view of the Watergate Hotel and felt close to everything we wanted to visit. And we had no trouble finding excellent dining spots, that were family-friendly, within walking distance.

Yes, that large building on the left is THE Watergate.

But if I had to pick a close second, I’d absolutely say the service. We saw the same personnel all weekend so coming back to the hotel felt more like coming home. And when they saw my son eyeing up the empty apple bowl at the end of the night, they didn’t hesitate to grab him a few apples from the back.

All smiles during our stay at The River Inn!

What does She’s On The Go say? The River Inn offers great family location for those looking to make the most of Washington, DC!

The River Inn provided me and my family a complimentary two night stay. The River Inn is part of Modus Hotels which offers unique lodging experiences around Washington DC and Philadelphia. Be sure to check out Andrea’s review of One Washington Circle.

Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown. So spacious, so close to Brandywine.

If you are looking for a spacious hotel near Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art you need to be looking at the Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown. My husband and I attended an event at the Brandywine and we knew we needed a hotel to stay at after the event. After looking at several reviews we settled on the Sheraton Suites Wilmington, Downtown. We discovered for the price of a single hotel room in other hotels, we could have an entire suite. And trust me, this suite is sweet!

Wet Bar

This two room suite has a wet bar at the entrance to the room. Larger than average mini fridge, coffee maker with Starbucks coffee, a microwave and a sink greet you when you walk in. Yes, those are our take out boxes from The Basil Bar & Grill. I had a tomato and fresh mozzarella salad and my husband had a chef salad. We were SO hungry after traveling and it was so nice to have delicious, fresh food to enjoy as we got ready for the party we were attending.

Sitting Area

The suite is a full 500 square feet! This place is about 1/4 of my entire house! It had a spacious living or sitting area. The sofa is a pull out queen bed and if we had the kids with us, they would be sleeping on it. But we were kid free and loving it!

Tucked in the corner of this photo is a large desk that is perfect for those who have work to get done while traveling. Wifi was included and it was pretty fast for what I needed to accomplish.

I did note that there was not a coffee table in our room. I am not sure if this was on purpose or if it was broken, but it would have been nice to have a coffee table to have a place to eat our salads. It wasn’t the end of the world, just an observation.

Watch my Facebook LIVE room tour!

Privacy

There are folding louvered doors that separate the living area from the bedroom. It definitely gave it a feel privacy and a larger suite with the doors. Perfect for creating separate bedrooms when traveling with kids.

King Size Bed

We sleep on a queen sized bed at home so when the Sheraton Suites Wilmington Delaware has a king size bed, it makes me feel luxurious and pampered. And the pillows! These pillows are amazing!!!

And there is a duvet on the bed. I LOVE a duvet. Sleeping under a duvet is something I learned to appreciate when I traveled through Europe in college.

Basil Bar & Grill

On site is the Basil Bar & Grill. This restaurant has a bistro-style atmosphere, serving traditional, American cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We didn’t sit and enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Instead we did take out and enjoyed a few salads in our room. My husband MAY have had a Jack and Coke while he waited…..and he MAY have said it hit the spot.

Don’t worry if you have to scoot out the door in a hurry! They have take out for you!

Business Center

As a person who travels a lot for business it is so nice to have a business center on site. Nice chairs, printers to print the things you forgot and places to charge all the things.

Security

I love when I am in a hotel and you know that in order to go to a floor you have to have a key card. I feel a bit more secure knowing that the hotel is looking out for the security and safety of their guests. Just don’t keep your room key card next to your cell phone. It will deactivate. Ask me how I know.

Mini Store

In the lobby they have a mini store with a couple of the essentials you may have forgotten. I do my best to remember to pack all the essentials but this trip I was out of Ibuprofen. I was thankful I didn’t have to leave the hotel to find what I needed.

Fruit Water

In the lobby the Sheraton Suites offers fruited water. As soon as I arrive at a hotel from traveling I am parched! It is a lovely touch of hospitality to have some fresh fruit water waiting for guests. Well done Sheraton!

Parking

Parking is on site, in a garage and is $12 a night. It is self parking and know that if you have a vehicle over 6 foot you will need to contact the hotel as to where you can park your vehicle. I don’t think this hotel could have accommodated the lifted Jeep we ran around in back in college. The low riders…. yes. They have got you covered.

More that I didn’t expereince.

There are only so many minutes in a day and especially when you have an event to attend we couldn’t expereince all that the Sheraton Suites has to offer.

Here is what we missed:

24 Hour Fitness Center

I don’t work out enough but if I did there is an onsite fitness center at the Sheraton Suites. Located on the second floor, access the fitness center with your key card.

Pet Friendly

We don’t have four legged friends in our home but i have plenty of friends who love to travel with their furry kids. The Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown is a pet friendly hotel. Take advantage of complimentary amenities like the Sheraton Signature Dog Bed, food and water bowls with a floor mat, and a welcome kit with information and supplies such as local pet information, pet napping door hanger, and more items that are useful when traveling with a canine companion. This might be reason enough for me to borrow a fuzzy face and take a trip!

Indoor Pool

I need to remember to schedule in more pool time when I travel. It is a wonderful amenity and I need to take advantage of it! Bonus that the Sheraton Suites offer room service for delivery to the pool area!! Locker rooms and showers are also available. The pool is located on the second floor and is only accessible with a guest key providing a safe and comfortable environment.

Last year, my family visited Washington, DC for the first time together. We had a blast and knew we wanted to return one day. When it was time to research options for a spring break trip that wasn’t too far from our home in Raleigh, NC, we decided it was the perfect time for another visit to the nation’s capitol! We made our home at the One Washington Circle Hotel and had another wonderful trip full of memories.

One Washington Circle Hotel really made us feel like locals. Our suite was spacious and comfortable and we felt right at home on the 8th floor! In fact, I think if the boys didn’t have to return to school, we could have moved right in!

Location – One Washington Circle Hotel

One Washington Circle Hotel is part of the Modus Hotels group and located in the West End neighborhood about half-way between the White House and Georgetown; a great central location.

On our first night, we trekked just over a mile past the White House and Lafayette Square to a delicious dinner at The Hamilton, and you can bet I was humming the Hamilton soundtrack the whole night!

We also loved walking to the nearby National Geographic Museum to check out their current exhibits and let the boys see photos from all over the world. The streets are lined with businesses and beautiful historic homes. Truly a lovely place to walk.

Safety – One Washington Circle Hotel

We never felt unsafe at One Washington Circle Hotel. Yes, it’s a neighborhood in the middle of town, but there was always a lot of activity happening all around us. Right across the circle is GWU Hospital and the university is a stone’s throw away.

There was a doorman and several staff members in the lobby at all times and the entrance area and hallways were well-lit at night. I believe it’s always a good idea to practice common sense when in a different city, but the hotel staff definitely kept up their end of the bargain when it came to making us feel comfortable and I really appreciated that. Even though I was there with my family, I would not have an issue staying here on my own.

Character – One Washington Circle Hotel

I keep coming back to the idea of living like a local at this hotel. Our executive king suite was really an apartment with a full kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms and a dining cove. Not to mention a huge balcony with an incredible view of the circle. We could have lived there comfortably for quite some time.

We planned full days of sight-seeing to enjoy the city’s living history and architecture. Coming back to a clean and spacious hotel was welcome after hours of walking.

And let me just say that I took part in the complimentary evening cocktail hour more than once! Always a nice touch.

Vanity – One Washington Circle Hotel

Since we were there as a family of four, I really appreciated having a half-bath in addition to the full bathroom. It was so nice to be able to spread out. Getting ready in the mornings and for bed was so easy. No one felt stressed or rushed and that is such a nice way to start the day on vacation.

The bathrooms didn’t have any natural light, but there were plenty of mirrors, including a full-length mirror on the bathroom door. I also love it when hotels have a magnifying mirror because while I don’t like to admit, my eyes are getting older and it’s nice when they don’t have to work so hard.

Toiletries – One Washington Circle Hotel

I am a sucker for hotel goodies, so one of the first places I looked was in the bathroom where they had all the essentials ready to go! The makeup remover towelettes were a great touch and I used them each day. The soap smelled wonderful and I loved having full-sized bottles in the shower. Enough for everyone!

We didn’t need them, but an iron and hair dryer were also available, along with plenty of extra towels.

Comfort – One Washington Circle Hotel

I knew in advance that we would have a suite with a functioning kitchen, but I don’t think I realized it would be a full kitchen, complete with a dishwasher! Our boys are up and at em’ way earlier than we prefer on vacation, so having a place for them to grab some food before we left for the day was so helpful. And with a real coffee maker, the grown-ups got nice and caffeinated before heading out.

And while we’re on the topic of extras, I was amazed when we returned to the room to see our dishes had been washed and put away! That was above and beyond if you ask me.

If you don’t want to make coffee, feel free to take advantage of the complimentary Keurig in the lobby with plenty of brews to choose from on your way out. You also have the option to order groceries and have them delivered right to your fridge.

Finally, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the hotel restaurant, Circle Bistro. They had a great selection of dishes and everything we tried was delicious.

I went with the spinach omelette and my youngest son was delighted to see chicken & waffles on the menu. And really, who isn’t?

Overall, our visit to One Washington Circle was wonderful and we would definitely stay there again. I’d love to return in the summer to take advantage of the outdoor pool, but I’ll have to save that for another trip!

What does She’s On The Go say? This is a comfortable home base for business travel or sightseeing. Getting around was easy and enjoyable.

Disclosure: I received complimentary nights and a media rate for my stay at One Washington Circle courtesy of Modus Hotels. All opinions are my own.

Andrea Updyke is a lifestyle blogger with a mission to celebrate the big and the small moments of life as a working parent. Her blog, Just is a Four Letter Word is where she shares tips for family travel, work-life hacks and easy recipes. Follow her adventures on Instagram and Twitter.

I love it when I have the opportunity to visit a city I’ve never visited before. In this case, it was the lovely city of San Antonio, Texas. As part of a press trip introducing the new Kia Niro, I was flown to Alamo City (aptly named since it’s the home of The Alamo) and whisked from the airport to the nearby Hotel Emma, situated in the former brewery district known as Pearl.

If you’re active on social media, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say that this place is an Instagram-lover’s dream. And if you’re not on Instagram, just know that everything about it is photogenic, from the historic industrial feel with exposed brick and heavy machinery to the luxurious rooms that still fit the look and feel of the overall hotel.

The main entrance to Hotel Emma is a bit obscured by this gorgeous brick courtyard complete with an indoor/outdoor fireplace for cozying up on cool evenings.

The hotel is named in honor of Emma Koehler, a towering figure in Pearl history. Emma ran the brewery after her husband and Pearl president Otto Koehler died in 1914. She was an ingenious CEO who kept the brewery going during Prohibition by converting operations to dry cleaning and auto repair, and making near beer, ice cream and soda. While other breweries were shutting down, Emma kept her entire workforce employed. She turned over control of the company to a nephew in 1933, but was a formidable presence at the brewery until her death in 1947.

You’ll still find plenty of perfectly preserved artifacts that embrace Emma’s history.

Instead of removing old brewery equipment, you’ll still find plenty of machinery including this piece situated in the middle of the lobby. Instead of a distraction, it’s a welcome reminder of the rich history of the place.

Inside the bar area (and in other parts of the hotel), you’ll find artifacts reminiscent of both the brewery days as well as the Prohibition era.

In a clever (and perhaps economical) design turn, brewing tanks were left in what it is now the bar area. With clever cut outs, each tank has become a cozy seating area.

Although it may feel more like an interactive museum at first, there’s a lot more to Hotel Emma that’s makes it worth staying in, as opposed to just visiting.

Looking for luxury? I found it up on the 6th floor at the Hotel Emma!

Now that you’re convinced that this hotel is gorgeous, steeped in history, and honors a remarkable women, let’s talk about those six key areas you might want to know about when staying at Hotel Emma.

Location – Hotel Emma

When I’m staying someplace new, sleep be damned! I want to get out and explore! Luckily, the Hotel Emma is steps away from San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk, a network of walkways that follow the bank of the San Antonio River.

Upon hearing that The Alamo was a short drive away, I caught a ride to downtown San Antonio and toured around this free historic monument (definitely worth it – I learned so much about the founding of Texas!). Then a few quick steps through another hotel and I was on the Riverwalk for the two mile walk back to the hotel.

I easily walked the two miles from downtown San Antonio back to the hotel.

When I had a little more downtown, I asked the front desk if there was any nearby shopping. A few steps from the front door and I found coffeeshops, restaurants, and some fabulous boutique shopping.

Safety – Hotel Emma

In the hotel and in the shopping district right next door, I didn’t give safety a second thought. I felt safe and secure but…

My room had its own private balcony, which I’m sure affords a relaxing view when there isn’t construction going on.

You can almost see the orange maintenance fence around the rooftop pool in the background of the balcony door.

I stepped outside and noticed the beautifully tiled floor and the relaxing room for one spot on the sunny balcony. When I went back into the room, I could not find a way to lock the balcony door. Perhaps the lock was broken or they just don’t have locks on them. If I had felt more worried, I would have raised the issue but since I was high on the sixth floor and the balcony felt enclosed, it wasn’t an issue for me.

Step outside to at least enjoy the sunny view and appreciate the colorful balcony tiles.

I will say, however, that there are parts of the Riverwalk that you might not want to traverse alone, especially at night. There were a fair number of homeless men situated in alcoves along my walk so you’ll definitely want to keep safety in numbers.

Character – Hotel Emma

I’m not sure you could find a hotel with more character. From the Prohibition-era history to the sordid tales of the 3 Emmas (spoiler alert: it involves three women named Emma, one man named Otto, some adultery, and MURDER!), this feels like a modern-day hotel with none of the ghosts of the past – simply a nod to them.

The lobby maintains its industrial feel while still exuding warmth and hospitality.

Somehow, the polished concrete floors and raised ceilings still make a traveler feel welcome with the neutral color scheme with Texan splashes of color.

Vanity – Hotel Emma

It was pretty clear by the time I got to my room that the design firm spared no thought or expense when it came to keeping the character of this hotel. But would that translate into a modern bathroom with all the luxuries a lady (or man) might want from a hotel of this caliber?

Yes. Yes, it did.

With period-appropriate fixtures, the bathroom offered plenty of room and amenities.

While there is no tub, the GIGANTIC, tiled walk-in shower (with sitting area) might make our list of best hotel showers ever.

Toiletries – Hotel Emma

Ladies, leave your mini-bottles of shampoo and conditioner at home. Prepare to be spoiled with the Malin + Goetz line throughout the bathroom.

The true test of how good a hotel’s product are is whether or not I feel compelled to quietly slip the leftovers into my suitcase when I leave. The answer here is unequivocally yes. In fact, I loved these product, I went home and order the full-size versions for myself!

(these are affiliate links and they aren’t cheap, but then, beauty never is)

Comfort – Hotel Emma

Ever have a night where you wake up and feel like you’ve had the best night’s sleep ever? That’s what happened my first night at Hotel Emma. You could blame it on a long day of travel and utter exhaustion but usually the first night is when I feel edgy in an unfamiliar space.

The pillows were perfect. The sheets divine. The mattress, not memorable – simply because I was sound asleep and can’t remember! But I awoke feeling totally refreshed.

Simple and comfortable – that’s how my stay in this four posted bed was.

Extras – Hotel Emma

Anything I forgot? Let me know and I’ll try to answer your questions. In the meantime, here are a few extra things to know about the hotel.

Free margaritas every day at 3pm (if you miss it, be sure to stop by the amazing bar and huge lounge just off the lobby)

Visit in the in-house library. Yes, it’s a library. Even if you’re not a fan of books (and if so, WHY NOT?), it’s worth checking out this two-story wonder, also off the main lobby.

Pick up a complimentary Wildsam Field Guide either in your room at the front desk. This little booklet will tell you everything you need to know about the hotel, the history, the area, and even offers a place for notes (as true field guides do).

What does She’s On The Go say? We now know why some people call this their favorite hotel. It’s a destination in and of itself!

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Many women, all experienced travelers, all different perspectives. We're here to show you places you've never been and talk to you about places you want to go. Join our adventures and learn more about the She's On The Go team right here →

Meet our Founders

Susan is a Travel/Lifestyle Writer & Photographer and also Mom to four children ranging in age from 10 to 22. She’s been traveling with her kids since they were little and has become proficient at planning trips for families with kids at any age and any stage. More about Susan...

Andrea Updyke is a lifestyle blogger with a mission to celebrate the big and the small moments of life as a working parent. Her blog, Just is a Four Letter Word is where she shares tips for family travel, work-life hacks and easy recipes. She lives with her husband and two sons in Raleigh, NC. More about Andrea...